Are you stressed out? Bewildered? Frazzled, even? It might be time for some mindfulness.
via Tenor
These days we seem to deal with more stress and distractions than ever before. Indeed, it’s a serious problem, but true to form, we here at Filament Games have a playful solution. That’s right – we’re talking about mindfulness apps and games! These digital tools are revolutionizing the way people approach mental health and emotional well-being. Let’s dive into some amazing options that are making waves in the world of mindfulness. Om.
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First up on our list is flOw, a mesmerizing game developed by thatgamecompany. This underwater adventure isn’t just visually stunning – it’s a masterclass in mindfulness through gameplay.
In flOw, players control a small aquatic organism, guiding it through a serene underwater environment. The goal? Simply to exist and evolve. As you navigate the depths, you’ll encounter other organisms, some of which you can consume to grow and change form.
What makes flOw a mindfulness exemplar is its brilliant combination of minimalist design, soothing soundtrack, and accessibility. The game’s simplicity reduces distractions, allowing players to focus entirely on the experience and the calming auditory environment provided by the game’s soundtrack and SFX. And with its easy-to-use controls, players can immerse themselves in the gameplay without getting hung up on complex mechanics.
By immersing players in this calming underwater world, flOw encourages a state of flow (pun intended!) – that magical mindset where you’re fully absorbed in the present moment. It’s mindfulness in action, wrapped up in a beautiful, interactive package.
Moving from games to apps, let’s talk about Calm – a powerhouse in the world of mindfulness applications. While not specifically a game, Calm offers a variety of interactive features that make mindfulness practice engaging and rewarding.
Calm provides a smorgasbord of mindfulness tools that cater to various needs and preferences. Its guided meditations cover a wide range of situations, making it perfect for users dealing with general anxiety or other work/school-related stresses. For those struggling to unwind after a long day, Calm’s Sleep Stories offer a soothing way to transition into restful sleep. The app also features quick breathing exercises, ideal for stress relief between stressful moments, and a selection of music tracks designed to enhance focus or relaxation.
What sets Calm apart is its adaptability. Whether a user has 30 seconds or 30 minutes, there’s a mindfulness activity that fits the bill. Plus, with its tracking features, users can monitor their progress and build a consistent mindfulness habit.
Playne (and its VR counterpart, Playne VR) takes mindfulness gaming to a whole new level. This innovative game turns meditation into an epic journey, perfect for players who might find traditional mindfulness practices to be a bit of a snooze.
In Playne, players embark on a quest to restore a barren landscape through the power of meditation. As you establish a consistent practice, you’ll see the world around you flourish – trees grow, animals appear, and the environment transforms.
Playne stands out with its unique approach to gamifying meditation. Daily meditation sessions unlock new areas and features, providing tangible rewards for consistent practice. The visual progress you see in the game world reinforces the benefits of sticking with meditation, making the abstract concept of mindfulness more concrete. For those new to meditation, Playne offers gentle guidance, making the practice accessible even for beginners. And for an even more immersive experience, the VR option provides a distraction-free environment to really focus on your practice.
Prepare to be swept away by the breathtaking underwater world of ABZU. This artistic masterpiece isn’t just a game – it’s a meditative journey that will leave players feeling refreshed and centered.
In ABZU, players take on the role of a diver exploring a vast, vibrant ocean. There are no time limits, no scores to beat – just pure, uninterrupted exploration and wonder.
What makes ABZU a mindfulness marvel is its perfect blend of stunning visuals, gentle gameplay, and emotive soundtrack. The game’s gorgeous underwater landscapes create a sense of awe and presence, instantly transporting players to a calmer state of mind. As you navigate through the ocean, you’ll encounter gentle puzzles that encourage focused attention without inducing stress. The ability to interact with various sea creatures fosters a sense of connection with nature, a key aspect of many mindfulness practices. ABZU cultivates mindfulness naturally by encouraging players to slow down and simply experience the beauty around them.
These games collectively demonstrate that mindfulness isn’t just about sitting still with your eyes closed (though that’s great too!). It’s about being present, aware, and non-judgmental in whatever you’re doing. These digital tools provide a gateway to mindfulness that meets players where they are.
Are you interested in bringing the power of mindful gaming to your audience? We’d love to help! With our expertise in educational game development, we can create custom mindfulness games, apps and content tailored to your users’ needs. Contact us today to start the conversation about how we can work together to promote student well-being through the magic of mindful gaming.
Now, take a deep breath, and maybe fire up one of these apps or games. Your mind will thank you!